2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated aesthetic in its base GLS 450 form, avoiding the flashy chrome embellishments seen in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently steered clear of ostentatious grilles, unlike the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. For those seeking more visual flair, the AMG GLS 63 model offered enhanced features such as flared wheel arches, a robust grille, and distinctive exhaust tips. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents and a traditional hood ornament, exuding luxury with options like 23-inch wheels and power running boards. Inside, the GLS 450 maintained a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, despite lacking some high-end features like reclining seats. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall luxury SUV experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retained Jeep's iconic design elements, notably the seven-slot grille, which now featured active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim options including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, which we tested, boasted leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching, though it was marred by the presence of hard plastic materials. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior was comfortable and spacious, with features like a heated steering wheel and air suspension for easy loading. Despite some material concerns, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a blend of ruggedness and comfort, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor providing an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered smooth performance, though the air suspension's lack of refinement was noted. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was slightly less than some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine and a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres and an all-electric range of 42 kilometres. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was impressive, though it depended on maintaining a charged battery. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers. However, its towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, offering a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version featured individual captain’s chairs. The GLS provided ample second-row legroom, thanks to its long wheelbase, and offered 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension facilitated easy loading and unloading, though some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen's reach and the centre console's grab handles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row SUV, offered generous space for passengers. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. The vehicle's interior was comfortable, with ample head and legroom for passengers, making it a suitable family vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, though the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The GLS also included an augmented-reality navigation feature, though the navigation system's reliability was questioned.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a customizable Android-powered interface. The system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and a wireless charging pad. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo were available, though the latter was not offered on the base 4xe or Trailhawk trims. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's infotainment system was praised for its customization options and user-friendly interface.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included a surround-view camera system and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance feature suite was announced but required additional hardware. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, though IIHS ratings were not available.